Ancient China's historic bond with ice and snow

Ice skating

Historical records from the Tang Dynasty (618–907) reference ice skating, with the New Book of Tang describing hunters gliding across ice using wooden boards strapped to their feet in pursuit of prey.

By the Song Dynasty (960–1279), ice skating had evolved from a practical means of transportation and hunting to a recreational activity. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it gained recognition as an official court sport.

Ice skating reached new heights during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911), when bingxi, an annual imperial winter activity, became a grand tradition after the winter solstice in late December.

The earliest ice skates in ancient China were primarily crafted from horse shinbones. Over time, wooden ice skates emerged, followed by wooden ice skates with iron fittings. By the late Qing Dynasty, ice skates were fully made of iron.